DEAR GOD: Another Faithful Servant Is Called Home~

Posted on August 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Bruce Hess - Pastor. Author, Speaker

🕊️ In Loving Tribute: Jennifer’s Homegoing

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.“

Romans 8:18 (KJV)

On July 31, 2025, our beloved sister in Christ, Jennifer, stepped peacefully into the eternal embrace of her Savior. Her life was a radiant testimony to the power of humility, faith, and selfless love. She did not merely speak of Christ—she lived Him. As a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sibling, chaplain, and cherished friend, Jennifer poured herself out for others, never seeking recognition, only grace.

Her days were marked by quiet service and unwavering devotion. She comforted the brokenhearted, prayed over the weary, and gave generously to all who crossed her path. Her hands were never idle, her heart never closed. She embodied:

“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20 (KJV)

Her faith was not seasonal—it was steadfast, rooted in the Word and watered by prayer. Jennifer’s legacy is not measured in years, but in the lives she touched and the light she carried. Though she went home “before her time,” we trust in God’s perfect timing, knowing:

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15 (KJV)

Her departure leaves a sacred ache, but also a holy reminder: this world is not our home. She lived with eternity in view, and now she rests in the presence of the King of kings.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

🌿 Reflective Questions for the Living

Jennifer’s life calls us to pause and reflect:
Are we ready to meet our Creator and King of kings?
If we passed on today, would we be at peace with the LORD?
Do we have an intimate relationship with Him?
Are we in the Bible daily, seeking His face and walking in His truth?Let us not delay. Let us live as Jennifer did—with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” Isaiah 55:6 (KJV)

“LORD -We thank You for the life of Your beloved daughter Jennifer, who walked in grace, served with humility, and reflected Your love in every breath. As she now rests in Your presence, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus. Comfort those who mourn her absence and stir our hearts to live as she did—with compassion, devotion, and unwavering faith. May we seek You daily, abide in Your Word, and prepare our souls to meet You face to face. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”

These things above all else – “Trust in the LORD, and embrace His Word, accept Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior – and walk in His ways and align with the Truth – And He promises us Eternal Rewards – Amen

DEAR GOD: Our Commission & Our Daily Obedience To Follow You~

Posted on August 14, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” —2 Peter 3:9

The Gentle Waiting of God: Our Commission, Our Daily Obedience

In the quiet moments of our lives—those spaces between longing and fulfillment—God waits. Not with impatience or frustration, but with a love so deep and enduring that it stretches across generations, circumstances, and even our resistance. His patience is not passive; it is purposeful. It is the divine rhythm of grace, calling us gently, persistently, into alignment with His will.

We are here not by accident, but by divine appointment. Each breath we take is a reminder that we are commissioned by the Lord to reflect His glory, to walk in His truth, and to extend His love to a world aching for redemption. Our lives are not our own—they are vessels of His mercy, instruments of His peace, and testimonies of His faithfulness.

The commission of the Lord is clear: to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as ourselves. To go into all the world and make disciples, yes—but also to abide. To dwell daily in His Word, to seek His face in prayer, and to surrender our plans for His perfect will. Obedience is not a burden—it is a love response. It is the daily yes to the One who waited for us, who waits still, and who will never stop pursuing our hearts.

God’s waiting is not weakness—it is strength cloaked in compassion. He waits for the prodigal, for the weary, for the doubting. He waits for us to trust Him enough to let go. And in that waiting, He teaches us to wait too. To wait on His timing, His provision, His healing. To wait with hope, not despair. With faith, not fear.

To abide in His Word daily is to anchor ourselves in truth. It is to drink deeply from the well that never runs dry. It is to be reminded, again and again, that we are loved, chosen, and called. And in that abiding, we find the courage to obey—not out of obligation, but out of adoration.

📜 Supporting Scriptures:

John 15:4-5 — “Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.”
Micah 6:8 — “He hath shewed thee… what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Romans 12:1 — “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Isaiah 40:31 — “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”
Matthew 28:19-20 — “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”

” Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your patient love that never gives up on us. Thank You for waiting, for calling, for commissioning us to walk in Your truth. Teach us to abide daily in Your Word, to obey with joy, and to wait with trust. May our lives reflect Your grace and fulfill the purpose You’ve placed within us. Strengthen us to walk humbly, love deeply, and serve faithfully. We surrender our plans to Your perfect will and ask for Your peace to guide us each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Eternal Truth~

Posted on August 6, 2025 by C D SWANSON

30k+ The Word Of God Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” —
Psalm 119:160 (ESV)

Eternal Truth:

The Hebrew word for “true” here — emeth — implies faithfulness, reliability, and certainty. It’s not simply factual truth, but life-altering truth, the kind that grounds souls and reshapes hearts.

Supporting Scriptures

Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God…”

These scriptures echo the same truth: God’s Word doesn’t merely survive—it reigns.

Christianity Today

In a time when voices compete for moral authority, and truth often bends to popularity or convenience, Psalm 119:160 stands as a pillar. Christians today wrestle with shifting social norms, emerging ideologies, and digital noise — yet the Word remains true. It’s both an anchor and compass, guiding believers through uncertainty with clarity and conviction.

Across generations, from the prophets to reformers to everyday saints today, the righteous judgments of God have held firm, offering justice to the oppressed, mercy to the repentant, and wisdom to the seeking.

Reflective Questions

What parts of God’s Word have sustained you through trials?
Are there areas where you’re tempted to compromise truth for ease?
How can you pass on the enduring truth of Scripture to the next generation?
What “righteous judgment” of God do you most cherish right now?

‘LORD -God, You are the beginning and the end, and Your Word is the heartbeat of eternity. Thank You for speaking truth into chaos and light into our path. Let Your judgments stir our conscience and awaken our faith. Help us cling to Your Word when the world feels unstable. May our lives reflect the unchanging beauty of Your promises. In Jesus’ everlasting name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Looking Forward To Our Crown Of Diligence In Eternity

Posted on August 2, 2025 by C D SWANSON

— Proverbs 13:4 (KJV)

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”

Christianity Today & the Call to Diligence

Christianity today stands at a crossroads — between comfort and conviction, between cultural conformity and spiritual courage. In a world of instant gratification, the call to diligence feels countercultural. Yet Scripture is clear: those who earnestly seek God, obey His commandments, and labor in love will be richly rewarded — not just materially, but spiritually, eternally.

Modern Challenges

Many believers face spiritual fatigue, distracted by politics, consumerism, or digital overload.
Churches sometimes prioritize entertainment over discipleship, leading to shallow faith.
The Word is often diluted to avoid offense, rather than proclaimed with bold love.

How We Should Act

Study the Word daily — not out of obligation, but out of hunger for truth.
Live with integrity — in business, relationships, and private moments.
Serve sacrificially — caring for the poor, the elderly, the lonely, and the voiceless.
Speak truth in love — not with judgment, but with clarity and compassion.
Pray without ceasing — anchoring our lives in divine wisdom and strength.

What We Can Expect

In the years to come, faithful Christians may face increased opposition — but also deeper revival.
The diligent will be spiritually nourished, even when the world grows barren.
Into eternity, those who walk in obedience will receive the crown of life, eternal fellowship with Christ, and the joy of hearing, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

“LORD- God, You are the rewarder of those who diligently seek You. Teach me to labor not for fleeting gain, but for eternal glory. Strengthen my heart when the path is long, and renew my mind when the world distracts. Let my obedience be joyful, my service be sincere, and my love be bold. May I never grow weary in well-doing, knowing that in due season, I shall reap. Prepare me not just for the days ahead, but for the eternity You’ve promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: When The Waters Rise, Your Light Remains~

Posted on August 1, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Isaiah 43:2 KJV-
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

There are moments when sorrow feels like a flood—relentless, unyielding, and deep. grief swells, memories sting, and the weight of what was lost threatens to pull us under. Yet even in that place, God speaks. not from the shore, but from within the waters.

His Presence does not always remove the storm, but it redefines it. He walks with us through the rivers that should have swept us away. He stands beside us in fires that should have consumed us. His love is not distant—it is embedded in the very elements that threaten us.

When we feel like we are drowning, His light does not dim-it pierces the depths. It illuminates the dark places of our hearts where hope has grown silent. God’s light is not fragile. It is not a candle in the wind. It is a flame that the waters cannot quench.

To stand firm in faith is not to feel strong. it is to choose to believe that God is strong enough for both of us. It is to lean into His promises when our own strength fails. It is to trust that even in the darkest night, the light of Christ still shines—not just around us, but within us.

❓ Reflective question

When have you felt most overwhelmed, and yet found a whisper of God’s Presence in the depths?

Supporting scripture

Psalm 18:28 –For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
Psalm 34:18 -The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
2 Corinthians 4:6 -For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

“LORD- when the waters rise and my strength fails, be my Anchor, when sorrow surrounds me, let Your light break through the darkness. I do not ask for the storm to end, but for Your presence to be felt within it, remind me that you have walked through fire and flood before me, You are not afraid of my tears, nor distant from my pain, let Your love be the ground I stand on, even when everything else shifts. shine in my heart, LORD, until hope rises again. In Jesus Christ, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Refuge That Never Fails

Posted on July 31, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Say To The Lord “My Refuge”

Psalm 9:9 (NLT) – The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Reflection and Tribute:

There’s a quiet strength pulsing through this verse. It speaks not to the triumphant or self-sufficient, but to the worn, the heavy-hearted, the ones pressed by life’s weight. The Lord isn’t just a distant observer—He is a shelter. A place. A Presence. Not symbolic, but real. Not theoretical, but tangible. In the times when trouble presses in, this verse assures us that God leans closer.

The word “oppressed” here can echo through generations—the exploited, the grieving, the anxious, the weary. It’s the soul caught in affliction without relief. And yet, it is precisely here that God reveals His character. He is not ashamed to be the refuge for the hurting. He doesn’t flinch from our brokenness. He becomes the safe haven where healing begins.

As Christians, we are called to mirror that refuge. To shelter others in love, to be extensions of God’s compassion. But first, we must learn to run to Him ourselves—honestly, humbly, even tearfully. Unconditional love flows freely when we trust that we are first and always loved.

This verse is not just comfort—it’s commission. To lean into Him during our own trials, and from that shelter, offer grace to others still searching for their safe place.

Reflective Questions:

When do I instinctively try to carry burdens alone instead of seeking God’s shelter?
How does God’s refuge reshape the way I respond to others in distress?
In what area of my life do I most need to remember that God is my refuge?

Supporting Verses:

Psalm 46 verse 1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Isaiah 25 verse 4 – You have been a refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm.
Matthew 11 verses 28 to 30 – Come to Me, all who are weary… and I will give you rest.
Proverbs 18 verse 10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it.
Nahum 1 verse 7 – The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.

“LORD, You are the shelter that never crumbles, the refuge that doesn’t require strength to enter. Thank You for welcoming us not when we’re strong, but when we’re overwhelmed and aching. Let us learn to abide with You—not just visit. Shape our hearts with Your protection and peace. And as You shelter us, teach us to be shelter-bearers for others. May our love echo Yours—in quiet strength, enduring hope, and gentle truth. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Light Shines Within the Valley & Beyond~

Posted on July 29, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” —
Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

Light Within the Valley

This verse is a timeless affirmation of God’s abiding presence. It acknowledges the reality of dark valleys—moments of fear, grief, or uncertainty—but boldly declares that we need not be afraid. The rod and staff represent divine protection and direction, symbols of a Shepherd who walks with us and guards our steps. God’s light is not merely external—it dwells within us, illuminating our path even when the world around us grows dim.

Christianity teaches that virtues such as faith, endurance, and love are refined in adversity. The “law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 KJV) commands us to bear one another’s burdens, reflecting His light through compassion and service. In this way, the valley becomes a sacred space—not of abandonment, but of transformation. The indwelling light of Christ empowers us to walk not only for ourselves but as beacons for others. Obedience to His law is not legalism—it is love in motion.

Reflective Questions:

When have I sensed God’s light most clearly in a time of darkness?
How can I embody Christ’s light for someone in a valley of their own?
What spiritual habits help me stay attuned to the light within

LORD, thank Thee for Thy presence in every shadowed place. Though the valley may be deep, Thy light within me is deeper still. Strengthen my heart to trust Thy rod and Thy staff. Let Thy comfort be my courage, and Thy guidance my peace. May I reflect Thy love to others, bearing their burdens as Thou hast borne mine. Help me to walk in the law of Christ with grace, humility, and unwavering faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: The Stillness That Speaks Is Your LOVE

Posted on July 28, 2025 by C D SWANSON

When Heaven Waits to Whisper

Waiting on God, especially when we receive no clear signs or direction, is one of the deepest tests of faith and patience. This verse speaks to the stillness—the quiet stretches of time where prayers seem to echo into nothing, where circumstances feel unjustified and reason obscured. Yet it declares a core truth: silence is not absence.

The Bible is rich with moments where God’s timing defied human expectation:

Abraham waited decades for the promise of Isaac.
Joseph suffered years of injustice before his vision was fulfilled.
David was anointed king but endured much before the throne was his.

The King James Version reminds us in Isaiah 40:31:

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…”

This verse doesn’t imply passive delay—it suggests active expectancy, like a watchman straining his eyes through the night for dawn. Waiting on God is not resignation; it is confidence dressed in stillness. It is spiritual discipline, a declaration that God’s sovereignty is worth trusting even when His presence feels imperceptible.

Silence, after all, has never diminished the power of God’s promises. The cross stood quiet on that Friday, but heaven roared on Sunday.

t’s not passive—it’s intentional. It’s the spiritual discipline of unclenching our fists and trusting the One who holds the universe.

Waiting on God is not merely enduring time—it’s engaging faith. It’s choosing to believe that even when we don’t hear Him, He hears us. Even when we don’t see the reason, He sees the outcome.

Consider:

Job, who sat in silence for days, misunderstood by friends, yet declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15).
Habakkuk, who cried out in confusion, yet ended his lament with praise: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…” (Habakkuk 3:18).
Jesus, who waited in Gethsemane, sweating blood, yet surrendered: “Not my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

The silence of God is not the absence of God. It is often the space where He deepens our roots, refines our faith, and prepares us for what’s next. The stillness is not empty—it’s holy.

“Lord, teach me to wait with faith rather than frustration. Let not Your silence shake my confidence in Your plan. Strengthen me to trust Your heart when Your hand seems hidden. Let the stillness draw me closer, not push me away. You are working in the unseen—help me to believe that today. Amen.”

Reflective Question for the Day- What can I learn from this season of quiet that I couldn’t hear in the noise?

“Though the sky stay silent and the wind bears no reply, Still shall I kneel upon the dust and lift my cry. For silence is not absence, nor delay denial— The Lord moves sovereign, His love never idle…” -by C D Swanson

DEAR GOD: Help Us Walk In Your Commandments~

Posted on July 25, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” -Psalm 119:60

The Urgency of Obedience—Living Every Breath in Divine Pursuit

Psalm 119:60- captures the heartbeat of a soul passionately aligned with God’s will. There is no hesitation, no weighing of options—just immediate, reverent obedience. In the original Hebrew, the urgency is striking: “I hurried and did not delay.” It’s as if the psalmist recognizes that every second delayed is a second outside of divine instruction.

In a moral sense, this verse reminds us that obedience is not just about doing what is right—it’s about doing it now. Delayed obedience is a form of disobedience. When we hesitate, we give room for doubt, distraction, and compromise. Psalm 119:60 urges us to act on the Word of God with swift intention, not because we are forced, but because we love Him and trust Him fully.

In today’s world, this kind of obedience is both radical and rare. We are surrounded by noise and options. We often approach God’s commands as suggestions, negotiating how and when we’ll respond. But the psalmist sets a different example—one of spiritual immediacy. He doesn’t wait for a convenient moment, a confirmation, or a sign. He understands that God’s timing is now, and his response is instant.

Living this out requires a renewed mindset. Each breath we take is a chance to realign ourselves with God’s heart. Christianity isn’t confined to Sunday worship or occasional devotions—it is a moment-by-moment journey of surrender and action. Our obedience should be active during a tough conversation, in how we treat strangers, in the thoughts we allow into our minds, and in the decisions we make when no one is watching.

Other scriptures emphasize this theme.

James 1:22 tells us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Romans 12:1–2 calls us to offer ourselves as a “living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.”
Luke 9:62 warns that “no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
And Ecclesiastes 12:13 distills the matter plainly: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

We should ask ourselves: What is one command from God that I’ve delayed acting on—and what would change if I obeyed it today? This question invites personal revival and a deeper walk with Him. Obedience is not a ladder we climb—it’s a light we carry.

Let’s pray with holy urgency:

“LORD, You are worthy of immediate and wholehearted devotion. Forgive my hesitation and remove any spirit of delay. Set my heart ablaze with a love so strong that obedience flows naturally and swiftly. Help me live each breath as an act of worship, every moment a chance to honor You. Keep me steadfast, alert, and faithful until the day You call me home. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Teach Us To Have Childlike Faith~

Posted on July 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 19:14 (KJV)

This verse stands as a gentle yet powerful rebuke to those who would gatekeep access to Jesus. In context, the disciples were trying to shield Jesus from interruptions, thinking the children were unworthy or insignificant. But Jesus turns that thinking on its head. His words “suffer little children” mean “allow” or “permit” them to come—revealing not just His openness, but His insistence that purity, vulnerability, and trust are essential traits of kingdom citizens.

He elevates the humble state of a child as a model for faith: not one of naivety, but of sincerity, dependence, and open-hearted wonder. Children come without pretense, without pride, with unguarded souls. Jesus doesn’t just accept them; He affirms that the kingdom belongs to those like them.

This wasn’t merely a cultural statement—it was a spiritual declaration. In a society that often undervalued children, Jesus honored them, made space for them, and validated their presence in the divine narrative.

What does this say about our Lord? It paints a radiant portrait of His tenderness and inclusivity. Jesus is not a distant figure waiting for perfect people to approach. He is the Shepherd who welcomes the fragile, the small, the overlooked.

He is the Defender of innocence, the Champion of the humble, the Friend who makes room at the table without judgment or expectation.

His kingdom is not reserved for the elite—it’s designed for those who lean into Him with childlike trust. That’s radical compassion. That’s divine grace.

To apply this verse in our lives is to create spiritual environments where the vulnerable are cherished. It’s teaching our children about God, not just through instruction, but through example—by showing them love, patience, and the joy of faith. It’s also a personal call: return to simplicity, shed the layers of cynicism, and come to Him with open hands.

In communities, it means we fight against exclusion and spiritual elitism. In our hearts, it means we continually make space for the child within us—the part that still believes, hopes, and trusts.

If the kingdom of heaven belongs to the childlike, what does it look like for you to embrace simplicity today?
Could faith be less about answers and more about trust?
Do You trust the LORD in all you do and in all your paths?

When you do, it will be health and prosperity in spirit and body – and His love will embrace your soul – a feeling which is truly indescribable! (Proverbs 3:5-8)

“LORD- We truly thank You for valuing the smallest among us. Teach us to welcome Your Presence with the innocence and openness of a child. Soften our hearts where pride has hardened them. Help us nurture love, trust, and mercy in our lives, and to offer others the same grace You’ve shown us. In Jesus name, Amen.”

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Category Archives: trust in God

DEAR GOD: Another Faithful Servant Is Called Home~

🌿 Reflective Questions for the Living

DEAR GOD: Our Commission & Our Daily Obedience To Follow You~

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” —2 Peter 3:9

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Eternal Truth~